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Knoxville City Council covers sidewalks and upcoming dates to remember

The Knoxville City Council met last night where the bulk of the meeting was spent discussing sidewalks. The Knoxville Walkability Plan spearheaded by the project Steering Committee took a sidewalk inventory last spring, which included surveys and sidewalk classification.  Three sidewalk categories emerged from the plan which included routes to school, destination pathways, and neighborhood enhancements. Aldermen were presented the results of the surveys which basically indicated that if more or better sidewalks were available, more citizens would use them. “Any person looking to buy a home in a town – one of the first things they look at is the sidewalks,” Third Ward Alderman Ed Mahar stated. “We put one in front of out house, after seeing the amount of people use it, it was well worth the money.” “We just have to figure out where and how to split the cost,” Third Ward Alderman Toby Myers added. “That’s the thing that makes it hard. (But) I agree, I want more sidewalks.” The council agreed that the town needs sidewalks – the problem was how to pay for new sidewalks. One suggestion was a 50/50 deal between the city and the homeowner, another was “sponsored” sidewalks for when a resident passed away – in lieu of flowers or memorials, a sidewalk fund could be established in that person’s memory. No action was taken, the council tabled the discussion until more research and suggestions could be made. The council also discussed liquor license ordinances at length. One was the request by America’s Best Value Inn’s request for a Class D Liquor License. City attorney Rob McCoy laid out options for the motel’s request – where the owners were wanting a license to sell alcohol on the premises and install two gambling machines. First Ward Alderman Angela Hillier told the council feedback that she’s gotten has all been negative. The council decided to table the discussion until the next council meeting. The Aldermen also voted on the design for the 2018-2019 Wheel Tax Sticker Design which was decided will be a picture of Gary’s Gas Station located downtown. The Knoxville Police Department will be adding another officer to its ranks by bringing on Officer Barry Petzold. Petzold’s hiring is pending under the condition of him passing the required tests and physicals due to him currently living out of state.

Some dates to remember: the Knoxville St. Patrick’s Day is set to go for March 17th. The annual Spring Clean-Up week for the city of Knoxville is slated for April 9th. Jim Eastwood presented the board with information on the Knoxville Fishing Derby set for May 5th. The city may take on the responsibilities of running the derby like it does the Knoxville 4th of July Fireworks Display.
Starting the week after the 4th of July, a “Praise in the Park” summer gospel music series will take place for three weeks on every Wednesday evening in July at the public square.

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